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Libya independence: King Idris anniversary celebrated

It is an immensely symbolic moment for Libyans as they mark the 60th anniversary of independence. The United Libyan Kingdom was formed on 24 December 1951 under King Idris. But after Col Muammar Gaddafi seized power in 1969, only the coup date in September was allowed to be marked.

British Pathé News: Coronation of King Idris:

Libya: Libya declares independence and crowns a new King

This is a day inwhich people feel that the huge challenges facing post-Gaddafi Libya will be put to one side. The tasks include forming a new national identity bringing together the different regions and tribes under a new strong central government. But the priority today is the party, which is expected to go on long into the night. People feel that this is a second freedom now, a freedom from 42 years of Gaddafi.

Documentary Narrated by Heir to the Libyan Throne Mohammed El Senussi: The 60th Anniversary of the Independence of Libya:

Libya has celebrated the anniversary of its independence from Italy and France - for the first time in 42 years. The United Libyan Kingdom was formed on 24 December 1951 under King Idris. But after Col Muammar Gaddafi seized power in 1969, only the coup date in September was allowed to be marked. In Tripoli, crowds marched from Martyrs Square to the former Royal Palace, chanting "No more Gaddafi!" Separately, the economy minister who had served under Col Gaddafi resigned. Taher Sharkas was appointed by the former leader just two months before his capture and death at the hands of rebels in October. Mr Sharkas resigned after weeks of rallies, during which protesters had demanded the exclusion of former regime officials from the cabinet.

Mass lunch scrapped

The day's central event was a march to the former Royal Palace, which currently houses the country's national museum.

"Today, we begin the building of Libya as our forefathers have done," Prime Minister Abdurrahim al-Keib from the National Transitional Council said. "We call on our sons to build Libya after its destruction," he added. One of those present at the celebrations, Prince Idris bin Abdullah al-Senussi, who was among the royal family members forced into exile, told the BBC that he had dreamed of being able to one day return to Libya.

"Libyans are determined to build a country, to have a democracy," he said. "I think they will never accept any more somebody to dictate or humiliate them. Libyans will run their country by themselves." However, a planned mass lunch for several thousand people in Tripoli was cancelled for security reasons. Even today, many Libyans remain unaware of the significance of 24 December- the anniversary was not celebrated during Col Gaddafi's four-decade rule.

U.S. probes Libya terror attack

Official defends Libya attack response (cnn)Washington (CNN) -- At a congressional hearing Wednesday loaded with political implications, a top State Department official will defend the administration's handling of the terrorist attack in Libya that killed U.S. Ambassador Christopher Stevens and three other Americans on the anniversary of 9/11.

STORY HIGHLIGHTS

NEW: Top State Department official addresses criticism in congressional hearing testimony

The Sept. 11 attack killed the U.S. ambassador to Libya and three other Americans

Republicans argue President Obama's policies caused vulnerability to such an attack

The administration changed description of event from a protest gone awry to a terror attack

Wyre Davies take on developments in Benghazi

Central authority in Libya is desperately weak. Libyans are, above all, worried about security and the inability to bring the many armed militias - not just the Islamists - under government control.

Earlier this week I met the leader of Ansar al-Sharia in the same Benghazi compound that was overrun on Friday night. They, like other Islamists including al-Qaeda, reject the notion of a Western-style democratic Libya. To them, democracy is incompatible with Islam.

The hardliners are right about one thing - the battle for Libya is not yet over. But as the country's first democratic elections showed, most people support a moderate, Muslim future for a country that is still coping with the aftermath of 42 years of dictatorship.

What is perhaps most notable about the protests in Benghazi is that it was popular, not government pressure that forced the hardliners to retreat. But at least 10 people were killed in a country still awash with guns and in desperate need of direction if Libya is to avoid a second civil war.

Benghazi awaits better times despite US consulate tragedy

Last week's killings of Ambassador Chris Stevens and his staff sent shockwaves through a country that has just held its first democratic elections and is trying to rebuild its relations with the outside world.

At this weekend's Martyrs' Day celebrations in Benghazi, they celebrated as only Libyans know best - with guns. Tribal horsemen fired shotguns into the ground and showed off their prowess at controlling their steeds as they bolted.

Others, mainly widows and children, held aloft portraits of loved ones killed during last year's fighting. In the city where the uprising against Muammar Gaddafi began, there are reminders everywhere of the huge sacrifices these people made to win their freedom.

And, in a country awash with guns, powerful militias still refuse to surrender their weapons - among them the ultra-conservative Islamists from Ansar al-Sharia.

They were accused, by some, of being involved in the assault on the US consulate.

Dangerous divisions: Rival tribes in Libya clash before national

The BBC has seen first-hand evidence of torture and illegal detention as rival Libyan tribes clash in the west of the country.

Eight months after the death of Colonel Muammar Gaddafi, some observers say his removal has exposed dangerous divisions in a weak and fragmented country, which is only a week away from its first nationwide elections.

This may be a "new" Libya but some things have a depressingly familiar feel.

In the western mountain town of Zintan, several tribal elders gather in the courtyard of a mosque to mourn the death of Abdul Salam Aghuz.

From still pictures and a video they play on a laptop computer, I can clearly see that the 49-year-old father of nine died a very painful death. There is heavy bruising on his body and his head has been badly beaten.

Aghuz was tortured, not by Col Gaddafi's henchmen, but by a rival tribe from a nearby town.

Can Libya's NTC avoid a victor's tyranny?

The detention of ICC lawyer Melinda Taylor (pictured) in the Libyan town of Zintan after meeting with her client, Saif al-Islam Gaddafi, has exposed the failures of the Libyan justice system and the militia groups that have still not disbanded.